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If the Big Fish Games app—formerly called Big Fish Game Manager—will not launch, the most reliable fix is usually a clean uninstall and reinstall. Before doing that, try the quick checks below and identify whether the problem is the manager itself, sign-in, downloading, or only one game.
First, identify the problem
| What happens | Best troubleshooting path |
|---|---|
| Nothing happens after double-clicking | Check stuck processes, permissions, security software, then reinstall. |
| The app flashes and closes | Suspect damaged or blocked application files; use a clean reinstall. |
| “Error has occurred” appears | Use Big Fish’s removal tool and reinstall the app. |
| A blank or white window appears | Check for corrupted files or blocked Big Fish components. |
| Windows requests permission, then fails | Try Run as administrator once and check security software. |
| macOS says the app is damaged, unidentified, or cannot be opened | Extract the download, move it to Applications, and review Privacy & Security. |
| The app opens but sign-in fails | Troubleshoot the network, account, and security software instead of reinstalling repeatedly. |
| The app opens but one game will not start | Use game-specific compatibility and launch troubleshooting. |
Big Fish’s official opening-error guidance attributes many launch errors to missing or corrupted application files, but that is not the only possible cause. Exact menu names can vary between Windows and macOS releases.
Big Fish opening-error guidance
Try these quick fixes first
- Restart the computer.
- On Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Look for Big Fish, Game Manager,
bfgclient,bfgprocess, or related processes. Select a stuck process, choose End task, and try again. This is general Windows troubleshooting, not a special Big Fish repair. - On Windows, right-click the app shortcut and select Run as administrator. Approve the prompt if it appears. If this works only with elevated permission, permissions, protected folders, or security software may be involved. Do not permanently disable User Account Control.
- Check whether antivirus or firewall software is blocking the app. Prefer narrowly allowing the relevant Big Fish files rather than disabling protection.
- On Mac, confirm that the extracted app is in Applications, not still in Downloads or on the Desktop.
Windows files to check with security software
Big Fish identifies these executables as files that may need to be allowed by antivirus or firewall software:
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bfgprocess.exe
bfggameservices.exeThey are usually in:
C:Program Files (x86)bfgclientIf that folder is not present, also check:
C:Program FilesbfgclientAdd specific applications to an allowlist where possible. If you temporarily disable protection for a controlled test, turn it back on immediately afterward. Never download replacement DLLs or “fixers” from unofficial sites.
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Big Fish security-software guidance
Best fix on Windows 10 and 11: clean reinstall
Use this path when the app still will not open, shows an opening error, or displays a blank window after the quick checks.
1. Uninstall the app
- Open Windows Search and type Programs or Add or remove programs.
- Open Add or remove programs.
- Find Big Fish: Game Manager or the Big Fish Games app.
- Select it, choose Uninstall, and complete the prompts.
2. Run Big Fish’s Removal Tool
Big Fish says the ordinary uninstall can leave application files behind. Download the official Big Fish Removal Tool from its reinstall instructions, then:
- Run the downloaded
.exe. - Accept the terms.
- Leave the two preselected removal options enabled.
- Select Proceed.
- Confirm the messages
Big Fish cef Files Deleted
andBig Fish Background files Deleted
. - Before selecting Finish, use the reinstall link shown in the tool if it is provided.
This tool is intended for leftover Game Manager files; it is not a game-save migration tool. Keep your Big Fish account details available, and do not delete unrelated game folders unless the official instructions specifically require it.
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3. Reinstall from Big Fish
Download the current PC installer from Big Fish’s official download page. Avoid third-party download sites and old installer copies.
Official uninstall and reinstall instructions · Official Big Fish app download page
4. Sign in and restore your library
- Open the reinstalled Big Fish Games app.
- Sign in with the account used to purchase the games.
- Open Purchase History, My Games, or the relevant library area.
- Download the games again if necessary.
Reinstalling the manager does not normally erase purchases associated with your account. Local save files and installed-game data vary by title, however, so back up saves before deleting game folders or using aggressive cleanup tools.
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Clean reinstall on macOS
- Open Finder and select Applications.
- Find the Big Fish Games app or Game Manager, drag it to the Trash, and empty the Trash.
- Download the Mac installer ZIP from Big Fish’s official download page.
- Double-click the ZIP to extract it.
- Drag the extracted Game Manager app into Applications.
- Launch it from Applications.
Do not leave the app in Downloads or on the Desktop. Big Fish specifically notes that the Mac download must be extracted and placed in Applications to avoid permission and update problems.
If macOS blocks the app
If macOS reports that the app is unidentified, damaged, or cannot be opened:
- Confirm it is in Applications and came from Big Fish’s official site.
- Open System Settings > Privacy & Security and review any message about the blocked app.
- If requested, review Full Disk Access settings.
- In Finder, use Get Info and check that your user has read-and-write permission.
Menu names and security messages vary by macOS version. Do not bypass macOS security indiscriminately or run random Terminal commands. If a freshly downloaded official installer is still rejected, contact Big Fish support.
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Big Fish macOS permissions guidance
If the app opens but sign-in or downloads fail
“Failed to Fetch” during sign-in
This is a login or connection problem, not a failure to launch. Big Fish says antivirus software commonly blocks the Game Manager’s connection to its servers. Confirm that the computer is online, restart the app, and allow the Big Fish app and related processes through security software. Then try signing in again. If necessary, use the account’s password-recovery process and contact Big Fish support.
Big Fish “Failed to Fetch” guidance
Download or activation failure
- Open the Game Manager.
- Select Options.
- Open the Advanced tab.
- Try Default, which Big Fish recommends.
- If the download still fails, try Alternate Method.
Firewall and antivirus rules can also interfere with downloading and activation.
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If the manager opens and displays your library, do not keep reinstalling the manager automatically. The problem may belong to the individual game. Try:
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- Running the game as administrator once.
- Using Windows Compatibility Mode for an older title.
- Allowing the game’s installation folder through antivirus software.
- Checking display, fullscreen, resolution, and graphics-driver issues.
- Confirming that the title supports your current Windows or macOS version.
A repaired manager does not guarantee that every legacy game will run. Some older titles may depend on incompatible 32-bit software, obsolete Windows components, old graphics behavior, DRM, or activation systems. Do not install Adobe Flash as a general fix; Flash has been discontinued.
Big Fish game-launch troubleshooting
When reinstalling will not help
- The game itself is incompatible with the current operating system.
- An individual game installation or save file is corrupted.
- Security software blocks the game rather than the manager.
- Activation or DRM for an older title no longer works correctly.
- You are signing in with a different account from the one used to purchase the game.
- The account library is missing and requires support or purchase verification.
For purchased-game removal and reinstallation instructions, use the platform-specific Big Fish guides for PC and Mac.
Contact Big Fish support
If the app still will not open after a clean reinstall, include:
Quick Recap
- Your Windows or macOS version.
- The Big Fish app/Game Manager version, if visible.
- The exact error wording and number.
- Whether the problem began after an operating-system or antivirus update.
- Whether you tried the Removal Tool and security-software allowlisting.
- Screenshots or diagnostic information requested by support.
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